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Human Library

Check out a book — discover a life!

If you saw the notice in the newspaper, you’ll already know the Carleton Place Public Library is taking part in a wonderful project supported in part by the United Way of Lanark County. Along with other libraries in Lanark County (Mississippi Mills, Lanark Highlands, Smiths Falls and Perth), we’ll be participating in the “HUMAN LIBRARY PROJECT” on Saturday, May 3rd.

What is a “Human Library”?

We’ve contacted interesting individuals in our community and have asked them to take part as a human book. They’ll come to the library on the day of the event, and patrons will be able to come in and “check out” our human books for half hour sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with people you might not normally be able to converse with, and ask them questions about their lives and experiences.

What type of questions can I ask? What will we talk about?

The questions, of course, will be up to you. Maybe you won’t have much to ask at all. Maybe the individual who is the Human Book will do all the talking. It’s going to be different for everyone. But we’ll provide a brief biography so you’ll have a better idea as to what you might want to discuss. Of course, it will be up to the total discretion of the individual being asked the questions as to how much they want to discuss, and whether or not they want to continue the conversation. This will not be a time for someone to seek professional counsel.

How will it work?

Right now, we have a great website where you can access some of the information about this project. As time goes on, we’ll update more of the details regarding times and who will be available. As of right now, we have five “books” who will be available for check-out that day, and we may add more. If you’d like more information about this project or any of the details, please feel free to call us at (613) 257-2702.